Tracking the increase in prices in the U.S. economy is a tough job under any circumstance, but it’s even tougher in January. How come? Many companies typically raise prices just once a year, and for those that do,

Inflation slowed through much of last year – falling as low as 2.4% from a 40-year high of 9.1% in mid-2022 – but it has remained stubbornly high since fall. The cost of services such as car insurance, auto repairs and health care have continued to rise in part because of the delayed effects of pandemic-related vehicle shortages or wage increases.